Alhassan Refiatu is emerging as a promising striker in the United States Women's College Soccer.

The former Northern Ladies striker is a first year student at Navarro College in California.

She left Northern Ladies in 2019 having been awarded a scholarship to attend School in Navarro.

The attacking forward was brought to Northern Ladies in 2018 to replace departure Makarama Abdullai who have Secured a scholarship to continue her education in the United States.

Refiatu played her first competitive game for Northern Ladies in the Kumbungu Women's Unity Games and she won the Golden boot with 9 goals.

Refiatu Scored a total of 19 goals for Northern Ladies before leaving to the United States. Her partnership with Jafaru Rahama was described by many as deadly.

Find and Watch her video highlights and exploits in the United States.

From Sammy Heywood Okine

SUMMARY: Astana, Kazakhstan: Super Middle: Aidos Yerbossynuly (15-0) W TKO 3 Issah Samir (19-1).

Kazakh Yerbossynuly stopped Issah Samir in a muddled ending. Yerbossynuly was in switch from the start and over the first two rounds was landing strong rights to the head and left hooks to the body.

Samir is realy only a middleweight and was slow carrying 7 ½lbs more than in his last fight but showed some fire at times. In the third after Yerbossynuly had scored with some heavy punches Samir tried to hold.

Yerbossynuly swung him round and into the rope. With Samir side on to him Yerbossynuly reached around and connected with left hooks to the body and a right to the head. As Samir dropped to his haunches Yerbossynuly landed a right to the head.

Samir got up and complained about the punches then ignored the referee stalking up and down beside the ropes whilst the referee counted to eight and with Samir still refusing to acknowledge the count the referee waived the fight over.

A confused ending but Yerbossynuly was on his way to a win. He retains a whole slew of titles in the WBC Asian, WBA International and WBO Global. First fight outside Ghana and first fight for 16.

Abraham Tabul  also suffered his 4th defeat in his last 5 fights as he lost to Kazakhstan's Semenov who had only one career fight before Wednesday night.

Kwahu Tyson made it three losses out of three for Ghanaian boxers in Kazakhstan this past Wednesday after falling to 22 year old Bek Nurmaganbet.

From Sammy Heywood Okine

Moses Antwi Benefo aka P J Mozee has resigned from his role as the Communications Manager for Asante Kotoko.

The award-winning sports broadcaster was named as the Communications Director of the club when Nana Yaw Amponsah was named as the Chief Executive Officer of the club.

Antwi-Benefo replaced Kenedy Boakye-Ansah.

He left his job as an aide to the Chief Executive officer of Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), Dr Desmond Kofi Kodua Sarpong to pick up the vacant position at Asante Kotoko.

However, he resignation comes almost 12 hours after the club announced parting ways with head coach Maxwell Konadu.

In a letter, of which a copy is published below, the renowned broadcaster cited “personal and professional reasons” for his decision to quit the management role.

“This is not an easy decision to make but I ought to, and I appreciate your support over the course of my employment in the Club.

“I truly value the experience, training, and knowledge I gained over the past few months. It has been a pleasure working with you and the entire team,” portions of the resignation letter read.

Read in full:

Post Office Box 2059,

Kumasi.

18th December, 2020.

The Chief Executive,

Asante Kotoko Sporting Club,

Post Office Box 2274,

Adum- Kumasi.

Dear Sir,

RESIGNATION LETTER

I am writing shortly on the caption above. I write to provide you with my formal notice of resignation as the Communications Manager of Asante Kotoko Sporting Club due to personal and professional reasons. This decision takes effect today, December 18, 2020.

This is not an easy decision to make but I ought to, and I appreciate your support over the course of my employment in the Club. I truly value the experience, training, and knowledge I gained over the past few months. It has been a pleasure working with you and the entire team.

I would like to thank the Sole Shareholder of Asante Kotoko SC-His Royal Majesty Otumfour Osei Tutu II, the unalloyed Supporters of our dear Club, the Board of Directors, the Technical Team and the Playing Body for an opportunity to serve the Club.

I wish you all the best as Asante Kotoko SC continues to flourish.

Yours sincerely,

Moses Antwi Benefo.

CC: Administrative and Operations Manager

Wayne Rooney’s son, Kai Rooney is following in his father’s footsteps by signing for Manchester United.

The 11-year-old was pictured alongside his dad and mum Coleen putting pen to paper on a contract at the Old Trafford club.

Rooney, who played for United from 2004 until 2017 shared the moment via Twitter.

Kai was also pictured holding up a United shirt with the number 10 on the back, which happens to be the same number his dad wore.

Wayne Rooney is United’s all-time leading scorer with 253 goals from 559 appearances.

The 35-year old managed to win 16 trophies at Manchester United, including five Premier League titles and the Champions League.

By BBC

 MTN Ghana has emerged tops at the 2020 edition of the Project Management Awards held in Accra. The awards, currently in its second year seeks to recognise and award excellence in Project Management.

MTN Ghana emerged tops in the following categories;

• Project Management Company of the Year
• Economic Impact Project of the Year
• Innovative Project Award
• Project Team of the Year

Congratulating the MTN team, the Chief Executive Officer of MTN Ghana, Mr. Selorm Adadevoh said “these awards are a testament of MTN’s commitment to executing relevant and impactful projects that delivers value.

In his remarks, Mr. William Tetteh, General Manager for Capital Projects thanked the organizers for the awards. He said, “as the person responsible for leading the execution of capital projects in MTN, it is my responsibility to ensure that the projects are well planned and executed within the project management framework. He admonished the team to continue to employ best practices to ensure that projects impact society positively.”

MTN’s approach to project management is guided by the Bright Delivery Methodology (BDM) which provides a standardised project-portfolio management approach with focus on delivery and benefits applicable to all projects across the business. It is this approach that won MTN Ghana the Project Management Company of the Year award. 

The team’s execution of the MTN Ghana Fibre Project which resulted in the laying of fibre to Urban Homes in Accra, Kumasi, Takoradi and Koforidua, covering a total of 33 communities won the Project Management Team of the Year.  MTN MoMo Limited’s launch of MAgric in partnership with GSMA to drive digitization in agriculture won the Economic Impact Project. The Innovative Project Award was underpinned by MTN TurboNet project which saw the provision of synchronised communication of all forms anywhere, anytime over the internet, making it possible for homes and business owners to serve their customers better. The Project Management Award recognizes individuals or organisations who pursue best practice in economic development through projects and attained the highest standards of professional conduct and competence within the project management space. The maiden edition was held in 2019 which saw MTN picking five awards.

From Sammy Heywood Okine

Great Olympics Executive Director, Kudjoe Fianoo, was confident his side will emerge victorious in the Ghana Premier League outstanding match against Asante Kotoko.

Kotoko were favourites to win judging by the outcomes of the two teams' most recent games.

The Porcupine Warriors recorded their first win of the season as they beat Legon Cities 1-0 in their last match.

Whilst Olympics suffered their first defeat in the last matchday as they were beaten 2-0. Olympics played the second half with 10 men.

According to Fianoo, Olympics were unlucky to lose in Dansoman and is sure of taking the three points at the Accra Sports Stadium against Kotoko.

"Playing against Asante Kotoko is always a tough game," he said.

“We have improved but we were unlucky against Liberty Professionals but we will give Asante Kotoko a good run for their money.

"We back playing at our turf which is the Accra Sports Stadium and I remain confident of winning all three points," he added.

Accra Great Olympics are now one of the top sides to watch, and their victories have been good for Fianoo who is standing for re election as GHALCA Chairman.

From Sammy Heywood Okine

Mustapha Mohammed, a young sports administrator has commended the leadership of Ben Nunoo Mensah, President of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) for his vision and dynamic administrative, management and marketing skills.

Speaking to Yours Truly after the Commonwealth Games Ghana (CGA) Workshop on ‘Building Sports Brands Through Social Media’ he praised the President and his staff for ensuring that the media is well equipped to work and deliver positive reportage.

According to Mustapha Mohammed who is President of Ghana Footvolleyball Association and founder of the Nima Beach Soccer Club, Ghana needs selfless leaders who can help the youth to develop and realize their potentials.

He expressed that after following the GOC President closely, he realised some media do negative stories to spoil his name and good deeds.

He urged the GOC President never to look back when doing good things, and prayed that he will retain the position in the next elections.

Mustapha Mohammed said Ghana abounds in sports talents, and every skillful Ghanaian must be supported, as he thanked Ben Nunoo Mensah for spearheading the YEA Relief Package for sportsmen and women.

He hinted that the Commonwealth Games Ghana (CGA) Workshop was very useful as he learnt a lot, and commended the resource people, Prof. Kobby Mensah of UGBS and Dr. Kweku Ofosu Asare of GIMPA who is also chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of Ghana 2023.

He suggested that as Ghana prepares to host the 2023 African Games, there should be Ghanaians who know much about organizing international sporting events to make the African Olympic Games not only successful but outstanding.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Annor Walker, Head Coach of Wonder Club, Accra Great Olympics is very positive about making them regain its reputation as one the best football clubs in Ghana.

The “Wonder Club” who won the league back in 1970 and 1974 has struggled over the past years to be counted among the best in the nation is mostly touted as relegation contenders.

Speaking in a post-match press conference after the 1-0 victory over t Asante Kotoko in Accra on Thursday, the Coach said he wants to change the tag of being relegation contenders and wants to make Great Olympics a strong force in the Ghana Premier League.

“Seriously it is my wish that I take Great Olympics to the next level considering how they have struggled over the past years.

“Since I took over from last year, my ultimate aim is to raise Great Olympics and make them one of the best as it was before in the ’70s and 80’s and that is what I intend doing for Olympics.,’’ he said.

When asked about his preparedness for their next game against West Africa Football Academy (WAFA), Coach Annor said “We take each match at a time and we are now going to think about our next game and we going to prepare for them knowing they play good football just like us, so we have to be tactically disciplined to triumph against them”.

Great Olympics are fifth on the league standings having garnered seven points from four matches with an outstanding game against Ebusua Dwarfs.

From Elizabeth Alhassan

Floyd Mayweather, who captured 11 world titles in five weight divisions and retired unbeaten, former heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko, and Laila Ali have been elected to the International Boxing Hall of Fame and Museum.

The Class of 2021 announced Tuesday also includes former Olympic champion Andre Ward, Ann Wolfe, Marian Trimiar, and Dr. Margaret Goodman. Elected posthumously were: lightweight champion Davey Moore, Jackie Tonawanda, cut man Freddie Brown, manager-trainer Jackie McCoy, journalist George Kimball, and television executive Jay Larkin.

Honorees were selected by members of the Boxing Writers Association and a panel of international boxing historians. Induction day is scheduled for June 13 and also will include last year’s class, which was postponed by the novel coronavirus pandemic. The Class of 2020 includes: Bernard Hopkins, Juan Manuel Marquez, Shane Mosley, Christy Martin, Lucia Rijker, Barbara Buttrick, Frank Erne, Paddy Ryan, Lou DiBella, Kathy Duva, Dan Goossen, Bernard Fernandez and Thomas Hauser.

Born in 1977 in Grand Rapids, Michigan into a fighting family, Mayweather compiled an 84-6 amateur record that included three National Golden Gloves titles and a bronze medal at the 1996 Olympic Games. He turned pro in 1996 and captured his titles in five weight divisions, getting it started with an eighth-round knockout of Genaro Hernandez for the WBC junior lightweight title in just his 18th pro bout.

Trained by his father, Floyd Sr., and uncle Roger, the fighter nicknamed “Money” retired in 2017 with a record of 50-0 (27 KOs) following a crossover bout and knockout of mixed martial arts star Conor MacGregor.

“It is a great honor for me to be inducted … as a first-ballot nominee,” Mayweather said. “Throughout my career, I gave everything I could to the sport of boxing, and now, to be recognized by one of the most prestigious honors in the sport for that hard work and dedication is very humbling.”

The 6-foot-6 Klitschko capped a 134-6 (65 KOs) amateur career by winning super heavyweight gold at the 1996 Olympic Games. He turned pro the same year in Germany and won 24 straight bouts before losing to Ross Purrity. He rebounded to defeat Chris Byrd for the WBO heavyweight title and in 2006 stopped Byrd again for the IBF/IBO titles to begin a dominant nine-year title reign that included 18 successful defenses.

Nicknamed “Dr. Steelhammer,” the native of Kazakhstan was heavyweight champion longer than anyone in history (12 years, 2 days) and finished with a pro record of 64-5 (53 KOs).

Ali also retired unbeaten with a 24-0 record (21 KOs) that included a 2003 win over Christy Martin. The 5-10 Ali used a precise jab and powerful right hand to register an 87.5 knockout percentage, living up to her nickname, “She Bee Stingin’.”

Tonawanda, who will be enshrined as a Trailblazer, began boxing in the early 1970s and, with sanctioned women’s bouts scarce, spent the majority of her career on the underground female boxing circuit. Denied a professional boxing license from the New York State Athletic Commission in 1974 because of her gender, she filed a sex discrimination suit in 1975 and, after a protracted legal battle that involved lawsuits by other women, the judge ruled in her favor.

Along with Cat Davis and Trimiar, Tonawanda was among the first women granted a license by New York, on Sept. 19, 1978. She was the first female boxer to compete at Madison Square Garden, registering a second-round stoppage of Larry Rodaina in a mixed martial arts bout. The 5-9 Tonawanda, dubbed “The Female Ali,” also sparred with Muhammad Ali at his training camp and worked as his bodyguard. She died of colon cancer in 2009 at age 75.

By espn.com

American Ghanaian Eslih Owusu was the star of the Fight Ready / Errol Hawk Boxing Promotion which took place on Thursday night at the Seconds Out Gym and he proved to be a real power puncher on his Ghana debut scoring a third-round TKO win over veteran Benjamin Ankrah aka ‘Congo Soldier’.

Owusu (3-0, 1 KO) indeed put up a good show as he was never intimidated by Ankrah (17-24, 8 KOs), as he dished out body shots, deadly hooks and cuts which  forced Ankrah to surrender in the middle of the third.

The fight headlined a six-bout on the card which was organized by Fight Ready Promotions with the support of Errol Hawk and the Bronx Boxing Gym.

“He was taking a lot of shots from me and not going down,” Owusu told the media “He is a very tough fighter and I have to give him the credit for that.”

Even so, Owusu’s left hand proved too strong for his opponent.

The 20 years old Owusu wasted no time in the second, launching a series of power punches at Ankrah. The latter responded with a big right to the chin which nearly sent Owusu down. Instead, he kept his composure, concentrating his attack on Ankrah’s ribcage to close out the frame.

“Ankrah was taking the head punches without any trouble so I told Owusu to focus on the body,” said former WBA world welterweight champion, Ike ‘Bazooka’ Quartey, who was in the corner of the America-based boxer together with Okoe Odamtten.

That advice from Quartey began paying dividends for the 20-year-old southpaw shortly after the start of the third. A series of shots downstairs made Ankrah abruptly wave the white flag.

Daniel Oko Odamtten praised his ward saying “Owusu is a very good fighter and he showed it here. He is just going to get better by the years”.

Owusu has plans for one more fight in Ghana before leaving for the U.S.

“I can’t wait to be fighting more here in Ghana,” Owusu exclaimed. “I really admire the atmosphere and I hope it gives me more wins.”

On the undercard, undefeated improving super lightweight Faisal Abubakar stopped Francis Mensah in two rounds while deafly Jacob Dickson earned a first-round KO over John Duku in their cruiserweight contest.

Welterweight Moses Lartey lost by KO to Jacob Laryea in the opening round; and Solomon Martey beat Isaac Okine via third-round stoppage.

Richman Ashiley made his ring comeback following a 10-month lay off with a four-round KO over Enoch Lamptey in lightweight action.

Coach Carl Lokko commended all the boxers and officials for compling with the Covid-19 protocols and ensuring a successful event.

By Sammy Heywood Okine